January
10
Traditional Day in Benin
Vodoun is an ancient, African, pantheistic religion. When it
was brought to the Americas by African slaves, it was blended
with elements of Christianity into what is known as "voodoo."
The present African country of Benin, situated on the former
kingdom of Dahomey, is known as a center of Vodoun culture,
and the city of Ouidah is the home of Vodoun's Supreme Chief,
Daagbo Hounon.
Vodoun was
scorned and suppressed by European colonists in Dahomey. It
continued to be practiced, often in secret, even by those indigenous
people who outwardly accepted conversion to Christianity. Benin
gained independence in 1960, but Vodoun continued to be banned
during the 18 years Mathieu Kerekou was at the head of the government.
He found the Vodoun practices and rites unacceptable to the
socialist philosophy of his regime.
Kerekou
lost power in 1991, and Benin's new democratic government soon
showed its respect for Vodoun, which is still practiced by an
estimated 65% of the country's population. January 10 was proclaimed
National Vodoun Day/Traditional Religions Day, and Vodoun and
other traditional religions were given officially recognized
status, along with Christianity and Islam
The day
is celebrated throughout Benin, but most elaborately in Ouidah.
There are various processions, Vodoun rituals, dances, and even
an international film festival held in conjunction with the
holiday. The celebration's central activity, however, is the
re-enactment of the journey from the slave auction block in
the center of town to the ships in the harbor. Led by the Supreme
Chief of Vodoun, followers travel the three-kilometer "Route
of the Slaves," pausing to pray and make offerings to the
gods and ancestors at the memorials that have been erected along
the way. The final stop is a sculpture at the water's edge,
called "Gate of No Return." After reaching the end
of the route, participants can enjoy music, food vendors, and
artists in town and on the beach. Many people of African descent
from North and South America visit Benin to make this pilgrimage
along the Route of the Slaves.
http://www.answers.com/topic/benin-national-vodoun-day-traditional-religions-day
1863 – The London Underground, the world's oldest underground
railway, opens between London Paddington station and Farringdon
station.
1946 – The first General Assembly of the United Nations opens
in London. Fifty-one nations are represented.
1946 – The United States Army Signal Corps successfully conducts
Project Diana, bouncing radio waves off the moon and receiving
the reflected signals.
1951 - UN headquarters opens in Manhattan NY
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